Magpies skipper Alan Shearer could be lifting an Oscar as the club's next trophy after it emerged Newcastle United are now favourites to land a starring film role.

It was reported earlier this year that the club were among those vying to be considered for the &#xA3;15 million Hollywood blockbuster Goal.

Despite football still being a minority sport in the USA, Los Angeles-based film makers believe they can cash in on the billions of people around the world who religiously follow it.

After originally going head-to-head with Manchester United for the role of the club the main character plays for, Everton and Chelsea have now also emerged as late contenders.

But today sources in Zurich, Switzerland, home of football's world governing body Fifa, revealed Newcastle was their preferred choice.

Fifa has a hand in the project and is believed to be keen to see Newcastle win through as their kit manufacturer Adidas is one of the governing body's official sponsors.

The film, being made by Hollywood producer Lawrence Bender, responsible for hits such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, will give prominence to the brand of the chosen club, especially in merchandising.

If Newcastle United are successful it could also give them a high profile in the US.

Goal will star Gael Garcia Bernal as a teenager from Los Angeles who uses money put aside by his parents for his education to come and be a footballer in the Premiership.

A spokesman for FIFA said: "We are interested in formally supporting this project and has been in detailed discussions with the producer. However contracts have not yet been finalised. This being the case, we do not have any formal information."